Mudslides, Flash Floods Leave 27 Dead in Brazil

SAO PAULO, Brazil – Mudslides and flash floods triggered by torrential downpours have killed at least 27 people and driven thousands from their homes over the past five days in southeasternBrazil, officials said Friday.

Poor areas in the mountainous region ofRio de Janeirostate, about 310 miles northeast of Sao Paulo, were the worst hit, civil defense authorities said.

"Just about all of the 23 deaths registered in our state took place in the cities of Petropolis, Teresopolis, Nova Friburgo and Sumidoro," said a civil defense spokeswoman who, citing department policy, declined to be identified.

More than 12,000 people were forced to abandon their homes for temporary shelter in churches, schools, sport gymnasiums and other public buildings, she said.